As I have been asked many times since opening Silhouette, “How did you decide to do this?”

I thought that my personal story might explain things a little.

I have been a Registered Nurse for over 36 years now still working 12 hour rotating shifts. I have experienced, seen and felt what being over weight and out of condition can do. I have waged this battle all my life.

I have bought more exercise equipment and gizmos that you would believe, in fact if it were shown on T.V I had it. They worked great, at being clothes hangers and dust collectors for me. The last one was an air walker that was the best ironing assistant I every had. I could hang more clothes on that, than in my closet.

As for diets I’ve tried them all, from cabbage soup to grapefruit, from pills to liquids. Still I couldn’t keep up with the addition pounds and the decreasing energy.

A little over a year ago I was introduced to hydraulic interval circuit training. NOW this changed my life. I couldn’t believe the difference. I was enjoying this! I was losing inches! I had energy again! As a nurse in my mid fifties (ok past mid) I really felt the difference. I was so excited about this program that I was telling all my friends in fact even people I didn’t know.

As I was telling my husband (again) about this program, he said “Ok, what are you going to do about it?” That stopped me, as I knew what he meant and I was surprised to hear me say I wanted to open a Fitness center for women only. We got into a discussion about women’s fitness, life expectancies and health. My excitement infected him, off I went doing research, finding out what others and I liked and didn’t like. I soon came to realize that I wanted to help women take charge of their wellness. I wanted to live better myself and live longer to enjoy what the Lord has put before me. Out of these thoughts and soul searching came my motto “helping women live better not just longer”. Now I was really scared, I had an idea, a belief, and a reason, and the full support of my husband.

Yes the Internet is a great thing and the more I found out, the more that I that wanted to know. I researched the equipment, the companies, and the programs. I found that just like any other business, the research is all-important. Along the learning curve I realized that a franchise wouldn’t do it for me, as it was too restrictive, with what to offer, equipment choices and how to operate. I realized that I wanted to have fun and enjoy my exercise and that I wanted my studio to have a warm and friendly atmosphere. I found that most of us want some privacy during our exercise so the design was born. Then I stared burning up the phone lines, calling those who were in the business, to find out the good and bad about equipment, programs and ideas. I was really impressed with the women I talked to. The success stories of their clients and friends, their reasons for starting their businesses. Then I stared calling manufacturers, now that was an experience; some would only sell to franchisees. Some would only sell 2Nd rate equipment to independents. Through one of my contacts at another independent studio, I was introduced to Fit Express. After spending an hour talking to the V.P (Gary) I was impressed with their business outlook and operating philosophy. He gave me a list of people to call who had their equipment. So more phone bills and I knew we had the right equipment.

Well we were out for a drive, and coming along Parkland, I couldn’t believe the buildings and growth on a street that didn’t exist that long ago. WOW, there it was a few stakes in the ground and a sign saying “Coming Soon Glenborne Plaza”. About ten days later, after much prayer and urging I was on the phone, and later signed an offer to lease, Now I was really scared and I mean really scared. It’s mid July, I am supposed to open about the 1st of October, and I need, well, everything, equipment, staff, office supplies, and money. Did I mention money? Well with the help and support of many people it came together. We jumped the final hurdle while we were on holidays and I can only tell you there was a lot of joy and Thanksgiving as we realized that my dream was going to come true. It was really neat to place the order for the equipment off the coast from Liverpool. That was one cell phone bill I didn’t mind paying. The next thing I knew my husband and I were on our way to Rhode Island for advanced training. The week spent in class and hands on was superb. This wasn’t company feel good stuff; this was very hard work but what an experience.

So here we are, open, with the help of many family, friends and supporters. It has become a dream come true. Great staff has joined me and new clients are coming every day. I have so much to be thankful for and too many blessings to count.

I have realized that this is not just my dream but that of many women, as they want to take charge of their own health and wellness. I am so glad that we are doing this together and that I am meeting so many new friends. I hope revenue Canada doesn’t realize how much fun I’m having, or they’ll want to tax me on it.

I know that I can’t do it alone, whether it is Silhouette or my weight and health issues, I need the support of others. It’s that fun, supportive environment that makes Silhouette work. We help one another live better, not just longer.